Growing up in poverty as a developmental risk: Challenges for early intervention

Abstract

In the context of poverty problems in ‘First World’ countries induced at socio-economic and political levels, data are presented about child poverty in Germany. Important connections within the complex relationship of child poverty and developmental risks become apparent. Following brief comments about the value of early intervention within the multidimensional strategy to combat (child) poverty, particularly on the political level (fair compensation for family-related burdens for families with children and additional care structures as dictated by need), the conditions for effective early intervention are listed. The article concludes with references to proven plans for actions in this field and to the meaning of a low level entry system for the early discovery of developmental risks for children who grow up in poverty.